Development of small-scale water fluoridation equipment

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Dental Health
• Water Treatment Technology

Background:

• Water fluoridation, established in 1945 in the US, is a key strategy for caries prevention globally.
• Despite its importance, widespread water fluoridation in large Japanese communities remains undeveloped.
• The need for accessible fluoridation methods is critical for children in long-term care and in developing regions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop safe, small-scale water fluoride equipment for easy implementation.
• To enable water fluoridation programs in settings like long-term care facilities for children.
• To provide a solution for developing countries lacking established water supply infrastructure.

Main Methods:

• Manufactured batch-type sodium fluoride (NaF) addition adjustment equipment for small-scale use.
• Measured fluoride concentration using an ion meter and fluoride composite electrode.
• Tested adjusted water against all 51 Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare water quality standards.

Main Results:

• The equipment consistently produced water with a stable fluoride ion concentration of 0.7 mg/L.
• The adjusted water met all specified water quality standards according to the Japanese Water Supply Law.
• The system demonstrated reliability in maintaining the optimal fluoride level for dental health.

Conclusions:

• The developed small-scale equipment effectively produces water with a 0.7 mg/L fluoride concentration, ideal for caries prevention.
• The fluoride concentration achieved was stable and met all Japanese water quality regulations.
• This technology offers a viable solution for implementing water fluoridation in underserved areas and specific care facilities.